FAQ

Answers from a working plumber.

Fifteen of the questions I get asked most often — about emergencies, water heaters, drains, leaks, and what to expect when you hire Double-Check.

Why hire Double-Check?

WHAT YOU CAN COUNT ON

You can count on me getting in touch with you as soon as humanly possible. I’ll show up at a time you set, on time, with my four required Oregon plumbing licenses, my bond, and my insurance.

I offer in-home estimates and guarantee all parts and workmanship. Same prices on weekends and holidays as weekdays. Upfront and honest about both the problem and the pricing. I treat your home and family as if they were my own — locally owned and operated, committed to my family and community.

What plumbing emergencies do you handle?

ANY TIME OF DAY

No water or no hot water. Water heater failures. Burst or broken pipes. Broken washer hoses. Severely high or very low water pressure. Overflowing toilets. Sink clogs. Call for help any time of day.

When you call, I’ll advise you on what to do next and what I can do for you. Every situation is unique — getting in touch and creating a plan together is the best way to mitigate the emergency.

Tankless water heaters: how long do they last?

15–20 YEARS, WITH CARE

Tankless water heaters typically last 15 to 20 years. With proper, regular maintenance — annual flushing to remove mineral buildup — many units run past 20 years. Skip the maintenance and you can be looking at 10 years or less.

If you’re not sure when yours was last flushed, that’s a quick service call I’m happy to handle.

Can you clear stubborn drain clogs?

TOILETS, SINKS, SHOWERS, TUBS

Yes. I clear toilet clogs, sink clogs, shower clogs, and bathtub clogs. If a clog keeps coming back after multiple clearings, that’s usually a sign of something deeper in the line — and that’s a conversation worth having before the next backup.

Why do pipes freeze in Central Oregon?

OUR CLIMATE, OUR HOMES

Frequent sub-freezing temperature plunges combined with poorly insulated plumbing and unheated areas — crawl spaces, exterior walls, draft air leaks, and outdoor fixtures that haven’t been drained properly.

The fix is usually a mix of insulation, draft sealing, and a winterization routine for outdoor faucets. I’ll walk through the at-risk spots in your home if you want a winter prep visit.

What water filtration works best here?

RO + WHOLE-HOUSE OPTIONS

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are widely considered the most effective for Central Oregon, especially for high concentrations of arsenic, nitrates, and manganese often found in local well water.

For regional hardness and sediment issues, whole-house salt-based water softeners and UV systems are a strong combination — softeners prevent scale buildup; UV eliminates bacteria.

How much does a tank water heater install cost?

TYPICAL 2026 RANGE

Professional installation of a standard tank water heater typically runs between $1,200 and $2,500 in 2026. Total project cost varies based on the heater’s type, fuel source, and any required home upgrades like venting, gas line, or pan and drain work.

I give you a real number after I’ve seen the install location — not a guess over the phone.

How much does a tankless water heater install cost?

INSTALLED, NOT GUESSED

A professional tankless water heater installation typically costs between $1,400 and $3,900, with a national average around $2,637. For complex retrofits or high-capacity whole-house systems, total costs can reach $5,000 to $8,000.

The right choice depends on flow demand, fuel source, venting, and electrical capacity — I’ll spec the unit and give you the all-in number after a site visit.

When should I replace my garbage disposal?

5–12 YEAR LIFESPAN

When it leaks from the body, jams frequently, requires constant resetting, or makes loud, metallic noises. Garbage disposals typically last 5 to 12 years.

Double Check Plumbing holds an LMS license, which means I can also work on the electric connections of any plumbing fixture — so disposal replacements are start-to-finish in a single visit.

What causes low water pressure?

USUAL SUSPECTS

Clogged pipe sediment, corroded plumbing, faulty pressure regulators, or partly closed shut-off valves. Other causes include municipal supply issues, high demand during peak hours, or a hidden leak.

I start with the regulator and shut-offs and work backward — usually the answer is in the first ten minutes of the visit.

Is preventive maintenance worth it?

YES, AND BY A LOT

Yes. Preventive plumbing maintenance prevents costly major repairs (a real emergency can run $3,000+), reduces water bills, and extends the lifespan of components like water heaters.

For most homes, an annual walkthrough plus a tankless or tank flush is enough to catch problems before they catch you.

Do you offer financing?

PERSONAL CONTRACT OPTION

At this time I don’t offer official financing — but I’m happy to work with you on a personal contract to get the problem solved for you and your family. Talk to me about what your situation looks like and we’ll find a path forward.

Do you work on gas lines?

YES, ALL OF THEM

Yes. I work on water heater gas lines, BBQ lines, fireplaces, fire pits, and more. Licensed for the work and careful with the connections — gas isn’t a place to cut corners.

How do I tell if I have a hidden leak?

WATCH THE METER

Watch for unexplained water bills, damp spots, mold growth, or musty odors. You can also turn off all the water in your home, then check your water meter. If it’s still running, you have a leak somewhere.

If the meter test points to a hidden leak, call me — pinpointing the source without tearing open finishes is the part of this job that takes experience.

What is repiping, and when do I need it?

OUT WITH THE OLD

Repiping is replacing old or damaged water lines with new piping. You may need a repipe if you have frequent leaks, low water pressure, rusty water, or outdated galvanized pipes.

It’s a bigger project than a single repair, but it’s also the cleanest way to put a decades-old plumbing problem behind you. I’ll walk through your home and tell you honestly whether you’re at the repair-it-again stage or the time-to-repipe stage.